Weather Forecast
Sunday: The ridge will start to weaken, allowing the next frontal system to move in. Skies will generally be cloudy and no significant precipitation is expected. Ridgetop winds moderate from the SW. Alpine temperatures -3.0 and freezing levels around 1100 m. Monday: Back to overcast, grey skies with ridgetop winds blowing light from the SW. Alpine temperatures -4.0 and freezing levels at 1200 m. Tuesday: The next frontal system moves onto the coast. Moderate snowfall amounts, accompanied by moderate ridgetop winds from the SW. Alpine temperatures near -5.0 and freezing levels hovering around 1200 m.
Avalanche Summary
The recent warming and solar influence triggered numerous loose wet natural avalanches were reported up to size 2.
Snowpack Summary
Wind slabs can be found behind ridges, ribs and on lee slopes (N-SE).The upper snowpack is showing continued settlement and gaining strength. In specific areas down 20-50 cm sits a weak interface comprising of crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals. Earlier this week, the interface was touchy in sheltered areas at treeline and below (where the surface hoar had a chance to form).Recent test results have confirmed hard sudden planar results. There has been no current activity or incidents reported on this layer, but should still be something to keep an eye on in your neck of the woods. Down deeper sits another surface hoar layer (40-80 cm) which seems to be gaining strength with very little recent reactivity on it.The mid pack is generally well settled, which may be bridging a basal facet/crust layer in deeper snowpack areas. The average snowpack depth at treeline is near 180 cm.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.